by J.A. Jennings

Created on: February 28, 2009   Last Updated: April 22, 2011

Planning a family vacation this summer or an educational trip next fall? Check out the many fun-filled destinations offered in Washington, DC. Historic sites, beautiful parks, and a sprawling subway system provide the perfect setting for parents and children to explore our nation's capital. Summer weather can be hot and humid, so consider the cool temperatures and beautiful foliage of the fall if you can get away.

Listed below are 32 family-friendly places to visit on your trip to the DC area.

AVALON THEATRE

5612 Connecticut Avenue, NW

202-966-6000

www.info@theavalon.org

Why not take in a family-oriented movie? Avalon Theatre's Saturday morning matinees are for the whole family. They feature classic films, soon-to-be-released titles, and independent films. Children under 2 are free.

THE BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING

14th and C Streets, SW

866-874-2330

www.bep.treas.gov

This valuable destination prints billions of Reserve Notes each year. Free tickets are required during peak season (M-F, March-August) and are distributed first-come, first-serve at the BEP ticket booth on Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street). Arrive early and check the web site for the latest schedules.

CAROUSEL ON THE NATIONAL MALL

900 Jefferson Drive, SW

202-633-1000

Children love the thrill of picking out their favorite horse on this old-fashioned carousel located right on the National Mall. Admission is $2 and it's open daily, even in the fall and winter. The Metro is convenient.

C&O CANAL-GEORGETOWN VISITOR CENTER

1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW

202-653-5190

www.nps.gov/choh

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canaltoday serves as a hiking, biking, and running area for millions of locals and visitors alike. Purchase tickets at the Georgetown Visitor Center to ride a mule-drawn canal boat down the canal or participate in children's "meet the mule" programs. Plan to park and walk.

DISCOVERY THEATER

S. Dillon Ripley Center

3rd Sublevel

1100 Jefferson Drive, SW

202-633-8700

www.discoverytheater.org

Children of all ages will be fascinated by live puppet performances. The cost is $5 for children and $6 for adults. The S. Dillon Ripley Center is located on the National Mall and is accessible by Metro and Metrobus.

EAST POTOMAC PARK/HAINS POINT

Hains Point and Ohio Drive, SW

202-554-7660

What child wouldn't love to run and climb at the park? East Potomac Park is a 300-plus acre area on the Potomac River offering picnic areas, cherry trees, city views, and bathrooms. Hains Point, at

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